James Forrest, despite his recent standout performances for Celtic, may find his starting position in the crucial upcoming Glasgow Derby against Rangers uncertain.
Chris Sutton, speaking on the Record Celtic podcast, expressed doubts about Forrest’s automatic selection by manager Brendan Rodgers for the pivotal match.
Forrest has been in excellent form, scoring crucial goals in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen and a league match against Dundee. His performance continued to impress in the weekend’s game against Hearts, making a strong case for his inclusion in the starting lineup. However, the competition for places, particularly with Nicolas Kuhn, adds a layer of complexity to Rodgers’ decision-making.
With Daizen Maeda back, you’d expect him to take his spot on the left wing, meaning either Forrest or Kuhn will start on the opposite flank.
“We’ll have a debate about who’s going to start, James Forrest or Nicolas Kuhn,” Sutton said.
“I don’t think that that is as cut and dried because Brendan may see it as he likes Nicholas Kuhn coming on the inside, driving the inside and causing problems in that respect.
“I think that is the one area if Daizen Maeda is fit and how fit is he?
“But I do take your point that I think that James Forrest on recent form has to start, but I think that’s still a wait and see that one.”
I do think it will be incredibly harsh of Rodgers not to start Forrest. He’s been in great form and his experience could prove invaluable. Having the option of Kuhn on the bench could be great, too. But, of course, it all depends on Daizen Maeda’s fitness, and if Rodgers thinks he’s ready to start the game at the weekend.
